Have a 2000 S40 (auto, low kms) that refuses to start. History is that the plastic component on the key which houses the chip disintegrated and I replaced the immobiliser module and key barrel from a 1999 S40 (manual). The immobiliser module from the 99 model is black where as the original one on the 2000 model is blue. Not sure if this makes a difference but the immobilser light goes out. Didn't replace the antenna. Turns over ok and sometimes will run for up to 10 seconds but that's about it. Have replaced the fuel pump with no effect. Did a diagnostic via the OBDII which showed nothing. Sending me crackers and ready to send it to the wreckers. Any suggestions will be welcomed.

 

I would have just glued the immobilizer chip to the steering column near the sensor (inside the trim if I was feeling ambitious). ;-)

Thing is, that immobilizer needs to be programmed by the dealer. I don't think there's any other option.

Do you still have the original key carcass? If so you might find it a whole lot less hassle to figure out how to dig out the chip and glue it in a new key housing (or even inside the steering column cover, like I suggested).

 

Unfortunately, the bits of plastic were thrown out before realising the significance of them and we only ever had one key. This was my son's car and I was unaware that it had an immobiliser. The key was brutalised as a result of being forced due to a loose gear lever interlock cable which was an easy fix once I was made aware of it.

I swapped the immobiliser module, the key barrel and the keys from a 1999 S40 which was starting and running fine (but had other problems), and thought this would solve the problem. The red cross does not stay on after the ignition is turned on. The donor S40 is a slightly different iteration of the S40 but the immobiliser plugged in ok although it is black and the original is blue.

Am reluctant to take to a dealer as it will have to be towed and with no guarantee that re-programming will fix the problem. They have also quoted a ridiculous price for this service

The car has low k's and is in good condition so I am reluctant to scrap it. Really annoyed that Volvo has put so many barriers in place to simply getting a car going properly.

 

I can understand having to program the immobilizer to the car (since otherwise you could work around the whole immobilizer with some junkyard parts). The REALLY annoying ones are the modules like the steering column locking module (on my long-departed 2005 V50). Why in the WORLD did THAT need to be dealer programmed (especially since they were prone to failure). Sigh.

I seem to remember that there may be companies out there that might be able to reprogram that module... I'd do some research / searching on that and see if anything pops up.

 

Am quite confused at this stage. I was under the impression that the key was programmed to the immobiliser unit. Is that not the case?

 

Yes but the immobilizer has to be programmed to the car (and its VIN). No option but to have it programmed to the car.

 

aha. at last a reason why it wont start. thank you for passing on this knowledge. My hat comes off to you.
So I figure I have two options. Have the donor immobiliser programmed to the car or have a key (or two) cut and programmed to the original immobiliser module. Is this correct?
I assume the immobiliser has to be programmed to the ECU or is it more complex than that? Is the ECU the module next to the immobiliser (on the 2000 model). Not sure where it is on the 1999 model; wondering if I could change the ECU to overcome the problem.
And.....can the programming of the immobiliser (or key) be done remotely from the car, with VIN information, or does the whole car have to be present?

 

AFAIK, you have to have the car present at the dealer to program it. I can't say for sure which other modules are involved (my eyes kind of gloss over when it comes to dealer programming).

I'd suggest just doing the research / searching to find out if anyone out there IS capable of recreating the original key / chip, and/or who can reprogram the immobilizer and any other modules that are needed. I have a dim recollection of someone who offers a service like that, but I participate in a lot of different forums for different cars, and I could be remembering something that applies to a BMW (or Acura or Volvo or Mercedes...). ;-)

 

yes have googled Volvo replacement key and have a few leads which I'll chase up today.

 

new keys.
I have now had two keys cut and programmed to the original immobiliser but it still will not start.
Certainly this has put me off ever owning a Volvo again.
The car is rgoing to the scrapheap. Sad as it has only done 130k but the dh Volvo techs have beaten me and I am not prepared to spend any more time or money on this.

 

Who programmed the keys?

Are you still getting a key symbol on the dash (indicating that the immobilizer doesn't recognize the key(s)?

Have you checked to see if the starter has 12 volts on the "big red lead" and on the "small signal lead" (when you're trying to start the car, that is)?

Hate to see you scrap a Volvo that only has some simple problem you haven't checked yet...

 

The keys were sourced from an automotive locksmith at a cost of $400. Volvo quoted $1500 and I had to get the car to them.
The key symbol stops flashing but stays on.
Car turns over and sometimes starts and runs for a few seconds so no problem with power to the starter.
Full history of this saga is:
Car was my step sons. The serpentine belt tensioner collapsed and he bought another car.
I replaced the tensioner and fitted a new belt and it needed a new battery.
Due to the gear lever interlock cable being loose, and the key being constantly forced, the plastic surround on the (only) key had disintegrated and without realising there was a chip in it, it was thrown out.
Have stuffed around with keys, ignitions and immobilsers since and it now has its original ignition switch and immobiliser but I cannot get it going. Plugging in OBDII diagnostic tool reveals nothing.
The car has low kms, good body, good interior and no oil leaks but I've just about had enough.
Unfortunatey I do not live near a Volvo dealer so getting the car to one would cost a small fortune.
Local mechanics cannot come up with a solution and just tell me to scrap it.

 

They key symbol shouldn't be staying on if the immobilizer is recognizing the keys. I believe (but don't quote me) that the immobilizer turns off the fuel pump when it doesn't recognize the key.

I'd get in contact with the supplier of the new keys and tell them that the key symbol isn't turning off. If the keys are 100% good, that shouldn't be the case.

 

My instinct tells me that it is not fueling so I would say you are right. Have already contacted the locksmith and he sent me two new chips but no change. Will contact him again.

 

Sounds like a good plan.

FWIW, you can make sure it IS a fuel issue by shooting a bit of starting fluid (or even WD40) into the air box - if the car starts right up (for a couple seconds) then you know for sure.

 

Not a huge fan of 'Start ya Bastard', particularly for petrol engines, but will try some WD40 and see what happens.